“People don't want to stay. They signed up till ten o'clock , and they're leaving."
The tough bald man looks around him. For a second his expression is so similar to that of a captain trying to give orders to soldiers who are on leave that Anders wants to laugh. Then the man composes himself, and his face becomes a managerial mask.
"Everybody, could I have your attention!" he says loudly. "Everyone! Listen, this is a rush job. It's very important. We need you people to stay."
A number of the people milling around stop. Everybody seems temporarily frozen by this man's voice. Then a few people move discreetly towards the door.
"Listen, I know it's late, and I know you people want to get home. But we have to start getting results on this particular issue. Certain people -- important people -- need feedback, and they need something that they can start working with first thing tomorrow. So everybody, would you please ... just return to your stations. If we all pitch in, we can make a dent on this baby."
Some people seem to have been convinced by this man's manner, but no one actually returns to a station.
Seeing this, the man adds in a deal-maker's tone, "I'll give you a bonus."
(Continued)
*
Full version (English): http://thedanforthreview.blogspot.com/2017/10/fiction-75-finn-harvor.html
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